ScanTech Sciences, Inc., Norcross, Ga., completed two critical milestones toward opening its first electronic cold-pasteurization (ECP) food treatment center in McAllen, Texas.

First, the company appointed Dwayne House as chief executive officer. Second, it selected managed labor services provider Freight Handlers Inc. (FHI), Fuquay Varina, N.C., to help staff and operate the ECP facility. ECP is a clean alternative to post-harvest treatments such as methyl bromide or hot water treatment and results in pest sterilization, pathogen reduction and shelf-life extension.

The McAllen facility will treat produce traveling to and from the United States and Mexico. Partnering with FHI, ScanTech Sciences will provide advanced ECP treatment as part of an integrated program that includes logistics services such as expediting border crossing and USDA processes, product traceability, and smart palletizing along with information services such as document management and shipment visibility. 

“We are excited to partner with ScanTech Sciences to introduce a new era in food pasteurization and integrated logistics services,” says Reid Durst, president and COO of FHI. “Our teams are working together closely to prepare for the opening of ScanTech’s McAllen food treatment facility early next year.” 

The ScanTech Sciences facility will bring 175-plus jobs to the Rio Grande Valley.